The top 10 best games of 2010 (screenshots)

For a gaming year that started out with a bang, 2010 has stumbled to the finish line. Here are our top 10 best games of 2010.

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10. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (360, PS3)

Enslaved makes our top-10 list this year because it was one of the most unique titles we had played in a while. Developed by the same studio behind Heavenly Sword, Enslaved incorporated impressive motion-capture cut scenes and a story that gripped us till the end. Actor Andy Serkis also helps craft the game with his direction, making Enslaved our pick for sleeper hit of the year.

9. Limbo (XBLA)

Limbo shocked us this summer with its intoxicating noir art style and unflinching delivery. It's able to keep the player on edge the entire time, with a gloomy sense of impending doom at every turn. Though the
game ended all too quickly, Limbo is this year's download-only breakout hit and a shining example of the success independent games can garner
when given the chance.

8. Starcraft II (PC)

PC gamers had a lot to cheer about with the release of Starcraft II, the real-time strategy game 12 years in the making. Starcraft II delighted us with a revamped graphics engine that ensured that all gamers--regardless of their PC setup--would be able to experience a great-looking game.

7. Heavy Rain (PS3)

Heavy Rain takes the No. 7 spot on our list because of the ways the game was able to successfully innovate. Heavy Rain played more like a movie that you interact with, rather than a standard action title. A thrilling whodunit story, characters we could identify with, and a unique control style put Heavy Rain in a league by itself.

6. Halo: Reach (360)

Without a doubt, Halo: Reach is the best Halo game developer Bungie has
ever made. It's only fitting that Reach takes place before the original
Xbox's Halo: Combat Evolved, as the game is the ultimate send-off for
fans of the series. We loved the new graphics engine, online multiplayer modes, and overwhelming sense of customization the game is able to
provide.

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, Wii, PC)

We'd be crazy not to include Black Ops in our list this year, not just because of its record-breaking success, but because it incorporates everything we love about the franchise into one complete package. Though the single-player experience is among the best in the series, it's the addictive online multiplayer mode that once again steals the show.

4. Mass Effect 2 (360, PC, PS3 next year)

Mass Effect 2 improved upon the original in so many ways, ultimately making it a much more accessible RPG than ever before. A truly memorable cast of characters is at your disposal, each with his or her own unique personality and behavior. Mass Effect 2 is the sequel we all hoped it would be, and rumors of a third installment have fans eagerly waiting.

3. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

Super Mario Galaxy 2 seemed like an absolute no-brainer because of the original's success and the fact that Nintendo had developed much more content than went into the first game. Galaxy 2 was bigger, more challenging, and introduced Yoshi to the series. A title that can be enjoyed by any gamer of any age, Super Mario Galaxy 2 features some of the most clever level designs and creative boss battles we've seen.

2. God of War III (PS3)

Arguably the PlayStation 3's best-looking game ever, God of War III exploded onto the system earlier this year with tons of brutal action and an unforgiving laundry list of mythological creatures to battle. Not only is God of War III a graphical and technical achievement, but it's consistently referred to as one of the only games that truly pushes the PS3 to its boiling point.

1. Red Dead Redemption (360, PS3)

Red Dead Redemption captures the No. 1 spot because it combines near-flawless control and gameplay with excellent voice acting and incredible cut scenes. Red Dead is able to capture the Old West setting better than any game before it, completely transporting you to an America teetering on the edge of industrial revolution. Everything about Red Dead Redemption oozes with production value; its attention to detail, soundtrack, weapons, and more all add up to our pick for the best game of 2010.